Five Mistakes New Puppy Owners Make

English: Artois Puppy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You've researched the different dog breeds to find the best one for you and your family, you've taken the time to find out whether the breeder you chose is ethical, and now you're finally bringing that precious new bundle of joy home. The hard part is over, right? Actually, there are several mistakes that many new puppy owners make that can really turn this joyful time into a frustrating and worrying experience. Avoid these new dog owner mistakes to be sure you and your puppy are off to a great start:

1. Potty training your puppy indoors and then expecting him to automatically go outdoors when he is older. Those nifty potty training pads look an awful lot like nice, plushy rugs to your puppy and he may opt to use your rugs as a toilet spot after you do away with the pads.

2. Giving in to his sad whimpers and tucking him in your bed for the first few nights and then expecting him to sleep on his own in a few days without crying. He'll just cry louder and longer once he knows what he is missing.

3. Letting your guilty feelings overwhelm you so that you don't crate train him. Crate training helps keep your puppy safe, since he can't get into dangerous things when you aren't watching him if he's crated. Also, he actually feels more secure when he is crated while no one else is home.

4. Taking your puppy with you when you go out, especially if you are going to a park or pet store. Puppies should be finished with immunizations before they go on outings. Their immune systems are often not fully developed when they are young and they are more susceptible to some of the deadliest dog diseases. 

5. Letting your puppy do things that are cute in puppies and not at all cute in full size dogs, such as jumping up on guests. It is easier to curb these behaviors right away than it is to break your adult dog of bad habits.

Tips on Choosing a Dog

English: A black Labradoodle puppy only a few days of age. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You have made the decision to include a dog in your life. You understand the commitment and are ready to give the time, money and energy necessary to make it work for you and your future pet. Since you have already made this decision, it's time to choose the type of dog. Do you want your dog to be big or small; male or female; a puppy or an older dog? These are just a few factors you should consider. Other factors include what are your needs in a pet and what kind of lifestyle do you have. Are you getting a dog for companionship or for a specific reason? Some acquire dogs for hunting, for guarding their homes or as a playmate and teaching responsibility to children. If you know the specific reason why you want a dog, it will narrow down the choices of breeds since every breed of dog has a specific use.

What is the activity level of your family? Are you always on the go or do you mostly stay home ? You don't want a dog that is very hyperactive if you prefer quiet evenings at home. If you are the type that likes the great outdoors, then a dog that prefers indoors in the air conditioning or by the heater probably isn't a good choice. Make sure the personality of the dog meets the requirements of your lifestyle.

How much room is available for your future pet? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a yard? If you have a good-sized yard then accommodating any size or breed of dog shouldn't be an issue. However, if you only have a very small yard or live in an apartment make sure to consider this when making your decision. Since a dog that likes to run a lot may not be happy if there isn't enough space.

Determine how much grooming you are willing to do. Dogs with long hair need more attention to grooming. Their hair can get matted when they are outside in tall grass or weeds. They require frequent trimming and baths to keep their coats healthy. Daily brushing is also necessary for a healthy coat. Short hair dogs are easier to care for. Trimmings are infrequent if needed at all. Brushing and baths are on an as needed basis instead of a near-daily requirement. Shedding occurs for every breed but some types of dogs only shed a couple times a year where others shed year round.

Do you want a puppy or an older dog? The disadvantage to getting a puppy is that it's nearly impossible to tell what its personality will be like later. Training includes housebreaking, using a leash, teaching verbal commands, not biting or chewing on furniture and more. Puppies take a lot of time to teach and train during their first year of life. Being able to teach and train your puppy to your specifications can be an advantage also if you're willing to spend the time it takes. Older dogs may or may not be trained easily depending on whether they've ever had training before. Some might be housebroken which is an advantage as is them not chewing on everything. Also with an older dog, you will be able to determine its personality and whether they will be calm or rowdy.

All it takes is a little time and some research to decide what kind of dog will work for your family. Hopefully the breed of dog you decide on will bring many good years of friendship.

GastroEnteritis in Dogs

Hemorrhagic GastroEnteritis (HGE) in dogs is a sudden-onset episode of diarrhea, often very bloody in nature. Some dogs may vomit. The exact cause is unknown, but there are many theories. Stress may play a role in the development of HGE. This disease may affect any breed, gender, and age.

What does HGE stand for?

HGE (at least in terms of veterinary medicine) stands for Hemorrhagic GastroEnteritis, and it is a disease of dogs. In human medicine, HGE commonly stands for Human Granulocytic Ehrlichia(HGE). 

What are the signs seen with HGE in dogs?

The most notable sign seen with HGE is a very sudden onset of bloody diarrhea in a previously healthy dog. Vomiting, not eating (anorexia), and listlessness are also seen. Dehydration is not usually clinically seen on initial presentation, but shock can develop quickly without treatment.

What causes HGE?

At this time, the exact cause of this disease is unknown. There are many theories - diet, a bacterial infection or bacterial toxin, virus, reaction to an intestinal parasite, etc. - but nothing has been proven. Stress may play a role in the development of HGE. Dogs that have an episode of HGE may be prone to another occurrence. Many dogs never experience HGE.

What breeds/ages/gender of dog are more susceptible?

Toy and miniature breeds of dogs, ages 2 to 4, are the types of dogs most commonly seen, but HGE can affect any breed, gender, and age. There is no gender predilection (HGE occurs equally in males and females).

How is HGE diagnosed?

HGE is diagnosed primarily by ruling out other causes of bloody diarrhea. The sudden appearance of bloody diarrhea and a high packed cell volume (PCV) in a previously healthy dog rule in favor of the HGE diagnosis. Other causes of gastrointestinal bleeding that must be considered as possibilities and subsequently ruled out include:

• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Colitis
• Parvovirus
• Coronavirus
• Campylobacter sp (bacteria)
• Salmonella sp (bacteria)
• Clostridium sp (bacteria)
• Escherichia coli (bacteria)
• Leptospirosis
• Whipworms
• Hookworms
• Coccidiosis
• Giardiasis
• Warfarin (rat poison) toxicity
• Thromobocytopenia (low platelets)
• Gastrointestinal cancer
• Hypoadrenocorticism

This sounds serious - is it a fatal disease?

Left untreated, this can be a deadly disease. However, with prompt veterinary care, most dogs respond to treatment and recover.

How is HGE treated?

The mainstay of treatment is aggressive supportive care -- no food or water by mouth for 1-4 days (while on IV fluid therapy), and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy with Potassium added to the fluids. Antibiotics are also recommended (IV, subcutaneous). Food should be reintroduced slowly and, in the event that the HGE is food related, a new (novel) protein should be given that the dog doesn't usually eat, i.e. chicken, lamb or cottage cheese.

What is the success rate? Do dogs recover from this?

With aggressive supportive care, most dogs recover within a few days. Some dogs can have repeated episodes of HGE.

What should I do if I see vomiting or diarrhea in my pet? Is it an emergency?

This is a hard question to answer, because there are so many causes for vomiting and / or diarrhea. As for any situation that is "not normal" for your pet, it is always recommended that you call your veterinarian and discuss what is going on. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you if it is a situation that can wait or if it sounds like an emergency.

Leptospirosis in Dogs

English: Sweet ACD puppy "Red Manor's Avis-Gin"
("Gin") who died from leptospirosis.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease which can affect many animals. It is rare in cats, but more common in dogs. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be passed from animals to humans. 

Cause

Leptospirosis is caused by a complex group of closely related bacteria of the genus Leptospira. There are several strains that occur in different locations and tend to affect certain species more than others.

Risk Factors

Leptospira bacteria survive especially well in warm, humid areas, and are often found in stagnant water (e.g. ponds). Wild animals can carry Leptospira.Therefore, dogs with a higher potential for exposure to contaminated water and wild animals and their urine are at a greater risk (e.g., living in rural areas, hunting dogs).

Adult dogs, males, and large breed dogs appear to have a higher rate of infection. However, any dog can be exposed, since urban wildlife such as rodents may carry the bacteria. Most infections happen in the summer and early fall, and outbreaks sometimes follow flooding.

Leptospira bacteria are shed in the urine of infected animals, though they can be found in other body fluids and tissues. Dogs can become infected by exposure to contaminated water (both through ingestion or contact with mucous membranes or broken skin), exposure to urine from an infected animal (e.g. contaminated food, bedding, soil, etc.), bite wounds, and ingestion of tissues from infected animals.

Once Leptospira bacteria get into the body, they spread to many types of tissues. The immune system may clear the bacteria from most of the body, but the bacteria may "hide out" in the kidneys, and the bacteria can be shed in the urine for many months after infection. Treatment with antibiotics may help prevent long term shedding in the urine.

Signs and Symptoms

The severity of symptoms varies, and depends on the dog (age, immune response, vaccination status), the strain of Leptospira, and other factors. Some dogs may have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, but severe cases can be fatal. Signs and symptoms may include:

• fever
• joint or muscle pain - this may manifest as a reluctance to move
• decreased appetite
• weakness
• vomiting and diarrhea
• discharge from nose and eyes
• frequent urination - may be followed by lack of urination, yellowing of the gums, membranes around the eyes, and skin (jaundice)

Diagnosis 

A definitive diagnosis is usually made by demonstrating the presence of the bacteria in samples, usually urine, or finding increasing levels of antibodies to Leptospira over time, which shows an active immune response through a test called MAT. A single antibody test may be positive due to past exposure to Leptospira bacteria (e.g. an infection with no symptoms) or vaccination.

It is also important to note that Leptospira bacteria can be found in the urine of dogs that may not have active symptoms due to the Leptospira, so it is important to clarify if the symptoms are due to Leptospirosis or other possible causes. A variety of other laboratory tests and radiographs can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to kill Leptospira bacteria and are often given in two stages: one type of antibiotic to treat the initial infection, followed up with a different kind of antibiotic to combat the shedding of bacteria in the urine. The earlier treatment is started, the better.

Once kidney and/or liver failure is present, the prognosis for recovery is worse. In these cases, aggressive treatment is vital, including intravenous fluids, medications to reduce vomiting and treat other effects of kidney and liver failure, and dialysis. However, depending on the severity of disease, treatment is not always successful when organ failure is present.

Prevention

Vaccines against leptospirosis are available and recommended in areas where leptospirosis is common. The vaccines are only produced for a few specific varieties of Leptospira, and don't offer long-lasting immunity, so need to be repeated often.

Although the vaccines are not 100 percent effective and do not protect against all types ofLeptospira, vaccination is still recommended to help prevent a potentially serious disease that can be transmitted to people. Recommended vaccines and vaccination schedules should be discussed with your vet based on your dog's risk factors. 

Rodent control measures reduce the chances of infection, and in areas where Leptospirosis is common, preventing dogs from swimming in ponds and slow-moving water can also help.

Home Care for a Pet with Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis can cause flu-like symptoms in people, which in some cases can progress to serious illness. If your pet has been diagnosed with Leptospirosis, the risks can be managed, primarily with careful hygiene. In reality, pets that do not show signs of infection (and therefore are not diagnosed and treated with antibiotics to stop the shedding of bacteria in the urine) probably pose a greater risk for transmission to unsuspecting owners.

However, if your pet has been diagnosed with Leptospirosis, steps to prevent infections include the following:

• Avoid contact with urine if possible, and wear protective clothing (gloves, etc.) if you need to handle urine.
• Practice good hygiene including careful hand washing.
• Disinfect surfaces where infected pets have urinated (antibacterial disinfectant or diluted bleach solution).
• Follow your vet's advice for treatment and make sure all medications are given as directed.

If any people in contact with a dog diagnosed with Leptospirosis become ill, be sure to mention the dog's illness to health care providers (as a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to mention pet exposure to health care providers when people in the family are ill).

Caring For Your Older Dog

Portrait of a good old dog.

Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary. 

As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. Cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet. It is hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. You do not want to kill your pet by thinking you are being kind to them. Feed your pet once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you have children, explain to them why they should not sneak food to the family pet. 

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink. 

If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog's blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet. He may be older but still curious. 

You may need to switch from dry food to a moist or canned food as your dog ages. His teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry kibbles. Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer.

Skin Irritation in Dogs

A dog with skin irritation and hair loss on its leg caused by demodectic mange.

Dogs can suffer from skin problems the same as humans. How you treat the particular problem will depend on what is causing it. Below I will cover the most common skin irritations in dogs. 

One of the most common problems in dogs is the presence of fleas and ticks, which are parasites that live on the surface of the skin and feed on the dog’s blood. These parasites’ saliva causes skin irritation and results in intense scratching. 

There are preventive products available for use on a monthly basis that will prevent this type of infestation.

Mange is a skin problem caused by mites that burrow underneath the dog’s skin, causing intense and even agonizing itching. Bald spots or inflamed red skin are common symptoms of mange. Two types of mange exist in dogs: sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange, depending on the kind of mite involved. 

Mange or scabies causes intense itching in the dog as the mites burrow under the skin and even lay their eggs there. Scabies can infect humans as well and cause itchiness, although infection in humans usually disappears by itself after a while. However, it is still important for people to seek treatment if they get infected. 

The best way to kill the mites is to soak your dog in a lime and sulfur medicated dip for 10 to 15 minutes a few times in a week. The dip should not be washed off, but left to dry on your dog’s skin and fur. During this time, it’s best to watch your dog closely and prevent him from licking himself dry. 

It is best to check with your vet if your dog is itching and you can’t find any parasites. It is possible he is experiencing an allergy or simply his coat is too dry. The vet will be able to help diagnose his exact problem.

When You Don’t Want to Medicate Your Dog

Baking Soda

Sometimes you want to avoid medicating your dog if possible. There are some easy home remedies you can safely use. If a solution you hear does not sound safe it is better to consult a vet first. The following can all be used safely on your dog.

Ticks or fleas 

Make a paste of orange rinds and apply it evenly on the fur of the dog. Let it remain there for five hours and then wash it gently. This is one easy and safe home remedy for helping your dogs get rid of ticks and fleas. 

Dry, cracked paws 

Take Vaseline or petroleum jelly and apply it to the paws for four to five days. You will find the expected improvement and the paw will heal. 

Odor problem 

Add a few drops of vinegar in the dog's bath water. If you have trouble getting your dog in the bath, using baking soda as a dry shampoo will work. Sprinkle it on your dog’s coat and leave set for a few minutes and then brush out.

Insects and bites 

Insect stings and bites are another common problem with dogs. As soon as you notice this, put adequate solution of baking soda and water on the stung area. Apply ice for any swelling. If you notice any difficulty breathing after a sting, however, take your dog to the vet immediately as he may be allergic to the sting. 

*A word of caution is in order here. Never give your dog anything involving onions or garlic, as these are toxic to a dog. If your dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or seems to be in pain, do not try any home remedies. Call your vet immediately. It is better to be safe than to lose your beloved friend.

Benefits of Playing With Your Cat

A playing kitty

Playing with your cat is the best possible way to build up a bond between the two of you. She will become more attached and you will feel closer to her.

The best way to ensure that your cat does not become overweight is by feeding him correctly with a balanced diet, but exercise also plays a part in keeping your kitty healthy. If yours is an indoor cat, then playing with you may be his only opportunity for exertion and staying trim. 

Playing will help your cat to become confident. Also regular play periods, coupled with petting sessions, will get your cat used to human interaction, he will be less likely to shy away and hide, when visitors call. 

Playing will help your cat develop his hunting abilities. Hunting is a natural instinct for all cats, a cat confined to indoors usually has little chance to express and develop this instinct. Encourage kitty to chase a toy mouse, allow him to pounce for the 'kill'. This will aid him should he ever get lost and need to find food.

Playing will help your cat release aggression. Cats often display aggressive traits through boredom. Tutor your cat not to scratch, bite or attack you with play sessions. Use praise to reward your cat for playing gently, as soon as he shows any sign he is about to use his teeth or claws - end the play session. This will teach your cat that aggressive cat behavior is best directed to his toys, and not you! 

Cats need fun in their lives, just like humans need it. Relieve the monotony of eating, snoozing and using the litter box by putting a bit of fun in your cats life. You will have a happier, more confident and less aggressive kitty. 

Flea Control

I

Whether you have a dog or a cat, chances are you will find yourself in need of ridding them of fleas at least once. Below are a few suggestions to help you with the task. 

Keep an Eye on Your Pet

Watch your pet for common signs and symptoms of a flea infestation such as excessive biting and scratching, particularly around the tail and lower back areas. Check for raw patches of skin where your dog or cat may have been scratching at fleas for some time. Another bit of evidence is "flea debris," specks of dried blood that are black in color.

Flea Collars and Powders

If you have caught the problem relatively early, it may be possible to eliminate fleas by simply using flea collars and powders. There are several brands and types to choose from, and many contain a special comb with fine teeth that is designed to remove fleas from fur.

Flea Baths

It's helpful to bathe your pet frequently using a specially formulated soap or treatment. It's necessary to take into consideration the type of fur or coat your pet has when bathing. This is particularly true for dogs as some breeds have essential oils that shouldn't be washed away with soap and water more than once or twice a year. If bathing in a flea bath isn't an option for your pet, consult your vet for other alternatives.

Monthly Medication

There are pills available for your pet to take on a monthly basis that will prevent fleas from reproducing, but they do not kill the ones that have already reached adulthood. There are also multi-purpose medications and products available that are designed to prevent fleas from reproducing as well as controlling heartworm, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms.

Fleas will always exist, but with careful planning and proper treatment, they need not become a problem for you or your pet.

Pet Socialization

Socializing your pet to accept new dogs into the household is not always an easy task. The dog usually has its own ideas of its territory and home and is generally not a generous creature when it come to sharing but would much rather chase the intruders away. We have to reprogram the dogs thinking to make it understand that chasing the cat or iguana or whatever other pet you may have, is not acceptable. 

To start, make certain that the new animal will be safe. Place the new pet in a pet carrier or some other sturdy structure that prohibits the dog from actually physically contacting the animal but still allows for both dogs to see, smell and hear each other. This provides a way for both dogs to acclimate to each other in a safe, though possibly a bit stressful, situation. In later steps, gloves might be advisable to avoid scratches from a nervous pet. 

After the dogs have both calmed a bit give them each a small reward, such as a morsel of some favorite food. Be sure to give the dog lots of verbal praise and affection when it is not barking or trying to get to the new animal as this will show the dog that you are accepting of the new pet's presence and you expect him to be also. 

One last point to keep in mind is that just like humans, not everyone is going to get along. There will be days where the dog and the cat are going to feud or the iguana will get cantankerous and slap the dog with his tail for the fun of it. Some dogs were just never meant to live in harmony but with a lot of patience and a little direction, you can make your household fairly peaceable most of the time.